Announcements

Valley Humane Society Not Affiliated with National Group; Operates Independently of Humane Society of the United States

February 2, 2018—In light of recent controversy affecting the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Valley Humane Society feels it important to remind the public they are not affiliated with the national organization. “People often assume a funding connection between national groups and smaller local humane societies, but Valley Humane Society is supported primarily by our local community. Those are donations which stay local and help animals and people right here in the Tri-Valley and surrounding areas,” said Executive Director Melanie Sadek.

Last year Valley Humane Society rescued and rehomed nearly 600 dogs and cats. The group also launched a new free online service to help pets find new homes without burdening the public shelter system (Home to Home), and distributed 120,000 meals to low-income families via the AniMeals pet food pantry. Countless hours were spent visiting those in need of a pet’s healing presence during Canine Comfort Pet Therapy sessions at hospitals, senior centers, schools, and the like. Valley Humane Society has been active in the community for more than 30 years. For more information about programs and services offered, please visit valleyhumane.org.

Save Big When You Save a Life on Black Cat Friday Weekend, November 24-25

November 2, 2017—Following the Thanksgiving glut of gravy and gratitude is Black Friday, where frenzied shoppers hope to score the best deals. For those who really want to save big, though, there is Black Cat Friday, a two-day feline adoption event at Valley Humane Society in Pleasanton. All cats and kittens with any black fur go home fee-free to qualified adopters between 10 am and 4 pm on Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25.

Talk about specials! Black cats are always in style. They go with everything, and have vibrant personalities that suit any lifestyle. Valley Humane Society carries all sizes and can help find the perfect fit for any family. Save more than money this year…save a life!

Adoption fees for other shades of cat will be 50% off. All cats have been checked by a veterinarian, spayed or neutered, tested for FeLV/FIV, microchipped, and given appropriate vaccinations, dewormer and flea treatment. Standard adoption criteria apply, while “supplies” last. Stock up and save a life!

Adoptions are handled on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified adopters; animals may not be placed “on hold.” Please allow approximately one hour to complete the adoption process. Valley Humane Society is located at 3670 Nevada Street in Pleasanton. Visit valleyhumane.org or call (925) 426-8656 for more information.

Valley Humane Society Celebrates 30 Years of Change on September 21, 2017; Community Invited

September 1, 2017—For the past 30 years, Valley Humane Society has made positive impact in the lives of cats, dogs and people in the Tri-Valley region. On Thursday, September 21, 2017, the organization will mark this special anniversary with a birthday bash from 5-8 pm at their Pleasanton adoption center, located at 3670 Nevada Street. The community is invited to stop by and join the celebration with cake and ice cream, refreshments, and a furry fun time!

Valley Humane Society was initially formed as a private surrender resource for pet guardians who needed to relinquish their animals but didn’t want to place them at risk of being euthanized in a high-volume public shelter. In the three decades since, the organization has consistently worked at saving and enriching lives, with numerous evolving programs that strengthen the bond between people and pets.

Thousands of animals have received direct assistance from Valley Humane Society over the years. Generations of children have learned humane compassion, and countless local residents have had their lives touched by the unconditional acceptance of a Canine Comfort Pet Therapy visit. Annually, more than 120,000 meals are distributed through the AniMeals pet food pantry to pet guardians struggling to care for their beloved animals.

Valley Humane Society is also asking interested individuals to contribute $30, or $1 per year as a celebration donation to help continue the lifesaving work for another 30 years.

Pleasanton Names First Ambassadog; Title Auctioned at Annual Gala

May 17, 2017—At its May 16 meeting, the City Council proclaimed Amber Hall as Pleasanton’s 2017 Ambassadog. The City of Pleasanton recognizes that creating a livable community means supporting the entire household. For those canine family members, City parks have dog-friendly policies, trails, and a new 1.5 acre dog playground called Cubby’s Dog Park. Now the City has created a new position for this canine-loving community at the request of Valley Humane Society.

“Valley Humane Society has been saving animal lives and supporting our community for 30 years, so it is fitting that we participate with them in designating the first Pleasanton Ambassadog,” said City Manager Nelson Fialho. “Having an official canine representative highlights our dog-friendly policies, while recognizing a valuable local non-profit and its rescue efforts.”

In March, Valley Humane Society held its annual Tails at Twilight gala at which the new Pleasanton Ambassadog title was on the auction block. The Hall family of Pleasanton was eager to be high bidder, as they felt their dog Amber would make an excellent canine representative.

“We are active supporters of animal rescue and proud to support the great work being done by Valley Humane Society. Amber is such an incredible dog and family member. We just knew that she needed to hold this prestigious title,” said Alejandra Hall.

In addition to being presented with a copy of the City proclamation, Amber and her family will also receive special attention on a Tri-Valley Community Television program and a featured article in the Pleasanton Weekly. The City of Pleasanton has also designated a place of honor for Amber and her family in the City’s annual Hometown Holiday Parade.

Take Action to Help Local Animals, People at East Bay Gives on May 4

April 19, 2017—A friend in need…needs a friend in deed! Valley Humane Society invites the community to become friends in “deed” by taking action Thursday, May 4 during East Bay Gives, a 24-hour online local giving day sponsored by East Bay Community Foundation. Visit valleyhumane.org for information on donating, contests, and participating through social media to provide help and homes to hundreds of local dogs and cats and healing comfort to thousands of people.

Valley Humane Society’s programs and services are made largely possible by the contributions of individual donors. Zorro was an affectionate cat who went from homeless to home-at-last thanks to Valley Humane Society’s adoption program. Milo was a sweet young pup who went from laid up to patched up once his liver condition was treated. And last fall Valley Humane Society’s Canine Comfort teams helped first responders to the Ghost Ship fire move from grief-stricken to hope-given by sharing the soothing comfort of companion dogs. The minimum donation to participate in East Bay Gives is $20.

For a donation with more impact, explore one of several contests available to help Valley Humane Society win a cash prize from East Bay Community Foundation. Special times of day offer opportunities for gift matching, a prize for first donation of the hour, or greatest number of donors at a specified time. Visit valleyhumane.org for more information about contests and follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

East Bay Gives is a 24-hour online giving blitz supporting Bay Area nonprofits working in the areas of arts and culture, education, environment, community improvement, health and human services, youth development and much more. The East Bay Community Foundation (www.ebcf.org) is a leading resource for mobilizing financial resources and community leadership to transform the lives of people in the East Bay with pressing needs.

Gala Promises Magical Night; 3rd Annual Tails at Twilight Set for March 3

January 24, 2017—A sell-out event for its first two years, Valley Humane Society’s Tails at Twilight gala is practically a “best kept secret.” Scheduled for Friday, March 3, 2017, the festive and elegant soiree celebrates our deep connection with companion animals and raises funds for animal rescue, humane education, and community service efforts. Tails at Twilight will be held at the Palm Event Center, 1184 Vineyard Ave, Pleasanton from 6-11 pm.

This year’s Tails at Twilight will be a magical, memorable evening with a champagne reception, passed hors d’oeuvres, a full no-host bar, and a sumptuous medieval feast, seated and served family style. Live and silent auctions and dancing complete the evening. Tickets are available at valleyhumane.org for $125 per person. Dress to impress!

An array of incredible auction items will be offered. Live auction packages include dinner for six made by Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department firefighters and the chance to name an Eight Bridges Brewing Company beer after your pet (with custom label design). The San Francisco package includes a two-bedroom suite for two nights at the Fairmont Ghirardelli Square and a day sailing on the Bay, with a car and driver for in-City transportation. For Pleasanton residents only, the exclusive Ambassadog package names the winning bidder’s canine as City of Pleasanton Ambassadog for 2017, complete with declaration, Pleasanton Weekly feature, community television interview, and a spot in the Hometown Holiday Parade.

Proceeds benefit the organization’s lifesaving animal welfare programs and life-enriching community services, such as Canine Comfort pet therapy, which offers therapeutic pet visitation to children with cancer, Alzheimer’s patients, autistic campers, and more.

Pet Therapy Dogs Take Active Role at East Bay Stand Down, Offer Solace to Homeless and Veterans

September 13, 2016—More than 400 people will experience the healing power of dogs at this year’s East Bay Stand Down event, thanks to Valley Humane Society’s Canine Comfort Pet Therapy program. Members of the San Francisco Bay Area’s local homeless population and at-risk Veterans community will have a chance to interact with therapy teams on September 16 and 17 of the four-day event at the Alameda County Fairgrounds.

East Bay Stand Down organizes a variety of community groups biannually to provide needed services to homeless citizens and at-risk Veterans. This year’s pet therapy offering more than doubles the amount of individuals who will have access to the unconditional love and support that only a dog can provide. Taking the lead on coordinating therapy dog teams for 2016’s expanded program is Valley Humane Society volunteer Paul Wankle. Paul observed the need for expansion to better serve the large number of event participants during a previous volunteer experience at the event.

“Participating in East Bay Stand Down is an honor for me and my therapy dog, Buddy. I am proud to be associated with East Bay Stand Down since both of my parents served during World War II, with my mother being an early member of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) supporting our troops. As an active Canine Comfort Pet Therapy dog handler for Valley Humane Society, I have the pleasure of watching Buddy make a deep emotional impact on those he interacts with,” said Paul.

The effect dogs have on humans has received increasing attention, with countless research projects concluding dogs are great medicine for humans. Interacting with a dog has been proven to change a person’s brain chemistry by increasing chemicals like oxytocin, endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. The release of these chemicals has a direct effect on those suffering from a number of physiological and mental illnesses. “When I started working at Valley Humane Society, I was surprised how many doctors prescribed time at our facility cuddling with animals to their patients suffering from depression,” said Valley Humane Society Executive Director, Melanie Sadek.

Valley Humane Society’s Canine Comfort Pet Therapy program boasts a roster of 200 therapy dog teams and an excellent reputation in pet therapy, thanks to a thorough screening process which requires background checks on handlers and annual veterinary check-ups for participating dogs. Canine Comfort teams visit locations all over the East Bay, including Veterans Affairs in Livermore where Valley Humane Society is the VA’s exclusive pet therapy provider.

Valley Humane Society Teams Up with NBC Bay Area and Telemundo 48 to Clear the Shelters

July 13, 2016—Valley Humane Society has teamed up with NBC Bay Area/KNTV and Telemundo 48/KSTS to host NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations’ Clear the Shelters second annual nationwide pet adoption drive. Valley Humane Society will offer the public fee-free adoptions on Saturday, July 23, as part of the nationwide Clear the Shelters initiative that seeks to find new homes for homeless pets.

Valley Humane Society is located at 3670 Nevada Street in Pleasanton, and will be open from 10 am to 4 pm on July 23. Standard adoption criteria apply. For more information and to view adoptable pets, please visit valleyhumane.org.

A full list of participating shelters is available at nbcbayarea/cleartheshelters.com. Follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #ClearTheShelters or #DesocuparLosAlbergues. Event-themed Snapchat filters will be activated on July 23 and a real-time pet “Adoption Tracker” at ClearTheShelters.com will record the total number of pets that are adopted nationwide.

This year’s Clear the Shelters event comes after last year’s highly successful inaugural effort, which resulted in nearly 20,000 pets finding new homes through an unprecedented partnership between the NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations and hundreds of animals shelters located all across the country and in Puerto Rico. The nationwide day of action literally emptied dozens of animal shelters across the country and inspired local communities to take action and open their homes to animals in need.